The Postal Museum will be taking part in the 2026 edition of the European Crafts Days, offering visitors the chance to join quirky and free workshops from April 10 to 12, 2026.
When French museums and Paris are mentioned, images of masterpieces, famous sculptures, archaeological relics, or iconic fashion figures often come to mind. It’s true that the Post Office Museum isn’t usually the first place that springs to mind for a cultural outing in the City of Light. Yet, this charming little museum, tucked away near Gare Montparnasse, has more than a few surprises in store!
Dedicated to the history of mail services in France and the art of philately (stamp collecting), this unique museum captivates visitors of all ages with its diverse collections, often surprising exhibits, and engaging workshops and events held throughout the year.
Artisan Careers Days 2026: Must-See Cultural Events to Experience in Paris and Île-de-France
The European Days of Artisanship are set to take place from April 7 to 12, 2026—a week dedicated to celebrating craftsmanship across France. During this special event, workshops and studios will open their doors, offering a rare chance to immerse yourself in the world of unique skills and traditional techniques. Marking its 20th edition, this celebration in Paris and Île-de-France promises an inspiring lineup of encounters and discoveries. Find out what’s in store for you. [Read more]
Come April, for the 2026 edition of the European Days of Crafts, the Museum of the Post is set to surprise us once again with an engaging lineup designed to captivate both young visitors and adults alike.
Yes, the postal world can also hide unique skills and talented artisans! Dive into this vibrant community of enthusiasts from April 10 to 12, 2026. Throughout the weekend, several free tours and activities are organized. Be sure to check the reservation requirements before your visit, and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of French postal history and philately.
What’s on the agenda for the 2026 JEMA at the Museum of the Post Office:
- Apprentice Engravers
Explore the art of engraving starting from the postcard! Participants select a design from a curated collection of images and carve it onto a linoleum plate before printing their artwork using a press. After a visit to the philatelic collection focused on intaglio printing, you’ll have the chance to design your own stamp and produce a personal masterpiece. You can bring your own image or choose from available templates on site.
April 11, 2026, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Duration: 1.30 hours
Ages 8 and up
Free of charge as part of European Craft Days.
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Online booking is temporarily unavailable. To reserve, email reservation.dnmp@laposte.fr or call 01 42 79 24 24
- Discovering an Artist’s Workshop: Printmaking session
During European Craft Days, the Atelier du Merle, du Brave et du Bovin opens its doors for a free exploration or for one of four specialized “skills” tours led by the workshop’s engravers.
Tour 1 – General overview of engraving with plates and prints illustrations
Tour 2 – Focus on engravings of postage stamps using burin
Tour 3 – Intaglio printing techniques
Tour 4 – Embossing printing (featuring a demonstration of the workshop’s logo embossing, with visitors receiving a print).
April 10, 2026, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
April 11, 2026, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Atelier du Merle, du Brave et du Bovin - 7bis rue Rameau, 75002 Paris
Open to all audiences
Self-guided visits, free entry
Maximum 15 participants per tour
- Philatelic Tour - From Steel to Paper: Insights into Engraved Stamps
Discover the depth of the exhibition “From Steel to Paper. Insights into the Engraved Stamp” alongside curator Monika Nowacka, with a guided walkthrough of the museum’s stamp collection.
For several months, photographer Sophie Brändström documented the daily lives of those who keep the tradition of intaglio stamp engraving alive—illustrators, engravers, printers, and collectors. This exhibit offers a photographic and philatelic journey into their world.
April 11, 2026, 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Open to all
Free of charge as part of European Craft Days
Online reservation is temporarily unavailable. To book, email reservation.dnmp@laposte.fr or call 01 42 79 24 24
- Special Event - The Art of Xylography Engraving
Engraver Leyla Peyrin invites visitors to observe a demonstration of xylography, with an opportunity to ask questions.
Xylography involves carving a design into a wooden block for printing on paper or fabric—an art form dating back to 7th-century China. During European Craft Days, in collaboration with the Institute for French Skills, the Musée de la Poste offers a live demonstration of woodblock engraving by Leyla Peyrin, providing a rare chance for direct interaction with the artist.
April 11, 2026, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Open to all
Free event
Part of European Craft Days
- Intaglio Printing Demonstration
Perhaps you’ve seen his name on a stamp—Louis Genty will showcase intaglio engraving techniques at the museum, with a camera connected to his binocular microscope allowing visitors to observe every micro-move of his craft. Not to be missed!
Intaglio engraving has been a key method in producing French postage stamps for nearly a century. On October 24, 2023, this craft was registered in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage under the “know-how and skills” category. As a professional engraver, Louis Genty has crafted around ten stamps for La Poste since 2022, including a recent tribute to Paul Bocuse issued in February 2026. During the demonstration, he will showcase the engraving process and answer audience questions. A unique feature of this session is a camera setup that allows visitors to view his every micro-movement on a screen.
His workshop, in Paris’s 2nd arrondissement, will be open for visits on April 10 and 11.
April 12, 2026, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Open to all
Free of charge as part of European Craft Days
- Philatelic Tour - From Steel to Paper: Insights into Engraved Stamps
Explore the “From Steel to Paper” exhibition with artist Sophie Brandström and curator Monika Nowacka.
For months, Sophie Brändström photographed those involved in the tradition of intaglio stamp engraving—illustrators, engravers, printers, and collectors. This exhibition invites you into their world through a rich photographic and philatelic journey. The guided tour offers insights from both Sophie Brändström and Monika Nowacka, curator and head of heritage, history, and collections at the museum.
April 11, 2026, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Open to all
Free of charge as part of European Craft Days
Online booking is temporarily unavailable. To reserve, email reservation.dnmp@laposte.fr or call 01 42 79 24 24
- Philatelic Tour - From Steel to Paper: Insights into Engraved Stamps
To fully appreciate the “From Steel to Paper” exhibition, join a guided tour with Chloé Le Mat, who oversees the museum’s philatelic collections.
Throughout the months, Sophie Brändström captured the daily lives of those sustaining the art of intaglio stamp engraving—illustrators, engravers, printers, and collectors. This rich journey provides a deep understanding of their craft and history.
April 12, 2026, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Open to all
Free of charge as part of European Craft Days
Online booking is temporarily unavailable. To reserve, email reservation.dnmp@laposte.fr or call 01 42 79 24 24
Here's a unique experience to try without delay!
Artisan Careers Days 2026: Must-See Cultural Events to Experience in Paris and Île-de-France
